Review: National Theatre of Scotland & BBC Scotland Present FUTURE ACTS

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Future Acts is a new hybrid project from the National Theatre of Scotland who have joined forces with BBC Scotland to make a series of six short films. These films showcase work by Scottish theatre-makers, actors, filmmakers, writers and artists. The films were screened in select cinemas in October 2026 and will be launched on online/digital platforms in January 2027.

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The films explore themes such as the rise of technology, climate change and loneliness. They range from the slightly more surreal like James Ley’s Bed To The Future where a couple travel in time to see what their life will be like ten years from now to Uma Nada-Rajah’s unsettling short Optimum about matchmaking. Technology pairs people with their ideal partner, even if they don’t seem likely on paper.

A real highlight of the film series is Kieran Hurley’s poetic piece Smoke with performance by Nicolette McCormack and narration by the incomparable Shirley Manson . It’s a visual treat and beautifully written.

Future Acts is reminiscent of Scenes For Survival, the National Theatre of Scotland ’s output during the COVID-19 lockdown as the brief for each short film has a tight brief.

Future Acts is an excellent snippet of some of the talent we have working in Scottish Theatre.

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_Originally reported by [BroadwayWorld](https://www.broadwayworld.com/scotland/article/Review-FUTURE-ACTS-National-Theatre-of-Scotland-20261005)._